What happens when your prayer is not in sync with God’s will? It matters little whether you are praying for recovery of relationship, removal of pain, or revival of spirit, if the prayer is outside of God’s will, the answer is different from the request. James wrote, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss” (James 4:3). Did that ever happen in Scripture? Sure it did. A prime example would be Paul asking God to remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). The response was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” How do we respond when our prayer has proven to be outside of God’s will? Some act like an immature child whose parent has said no to a request. They whine, and cry, and fuss, and make threats, all to no avail. Nor is God a wishy-washy parent who can be manipulated with such actions. Others become reclusive, pouting, and feeling sorry for themselves that they should be denied, again to no avail. Nor is God one on whom a display of human emotions can necessarily bring about change. The most mature response is to join Paul, living in the sufficiency of God’s grace. Meanwhile keep praying until you get it right.
Two new stories have been added to my website – www.discipleallnations.org. In the left menu, under “Categories” click “A Funny Thing Happened on my Way to Heaven” and read, “Fatted Calf or Milk Cow?” and “What Were You Thinking?” Enjoy.
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